Legend of Knockmany or The Soda Bread Saga

In which we confirm that a clever, witty woman can save the day, that food adulteration in soda bread is occasionally warranted and that outwitting a giant can save you a lot of DIY. Today's story is an Irish tall tale based on the Legend of Knockmany from Celtic Fairy Tales, edited by Joseph Jacobs.  Another version is available in Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. Yeats. We also discuss the history of the story, which is not as old as first appears and the origins of the heroes and their ancient sagas. Finally we investigate the history of bread in Ireland and this week's recipe There is some further reading about historic Irish foodways, an analysis of this tale as well as ancient recipes for bread available at my website.